Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of jointly fulfilling the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Tactical Aircraft by the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) Procurement Project.

The Airbus C295 Medium Tactical Transport Aircraft has reached 300 orders. From the Pacific Ocean to the Arabian desert, from the tropical jungle to the Sahel and the Kazakh steppe, the C295 and its market share have become a success story for the European and Spanish Aerospace Industry. Here are some interesting facts and figures about the C295 Aircraft.

India is acquiring 31 GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian & SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), with 15 SeaGuardians for the Indian Navy and 8 each SkyGuardians for the Indian Air Force & Indian Army. Chanakya profiles the mega acquisition of the MQ-9Bs, while outlining the HALE RPAS’ outstanding characteristics.

The Inaugural Session of the three-day event saw Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh embarking at sea to witness the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct ‘Twin-Carrier Operations’. Both Aircraft Carriers showcased the growing capabilities of the Navy to safeguard India’s Maritime interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially commemorated the opening of the New State-of-the-Art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) Campus in Bengaluru. Built with an investment of Rs. 1,600 crore, the 43-acre campus is Boeing’s largest such investment outside the U.S.

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has recently announced Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as the winner of the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II public tender to provide the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new Military Transport Aircraft.

MBDA is ready to consider integration of Brimstone Missiles onto the MQ-9B Predator, which are to be procured by India, according to an MBDA official, speaking to a select group of journalists from India visiting the Missile Leaders’ Facilities in UK’s Bolton and France.

Chanakya Interviewed GENERAL MANOJ PANDE, CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF (COAS), who briefly covered some ARMY programmes of Modernisation, including Emergency Weapons Procurements, Air Defence, Drones & Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS); Automation, Digitization, Networking, including ACCCS, SAMA (Situational Awareness Module), ANUMAAN and Battlefield Surveillance System, etc. On the occasion of the 76th Army Day 2024, we feature the Exclusive Interview of the Army Chief with Chanakya:

ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of Indian Navy in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to CHANAKYA said “The Navy is steadfastly striving for rapid modernisation of the force through indigenous route and is committed to becoming fully AtmaNirbhar by 2047.” He spoke about the future plans of the Indian Navy and the various Air Operations integration trials undertaken on the deck of INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier.

On 25th November 2023, in a historic milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew a sortie in the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured Tejas Twin-Seater Light Combat Fighter Aircraft at Bengaluru. During the 30-minute sortie, capabilities of Fighter Aircraft Tejas were demonstrated to the PM.

On the 30th of November, 2023, the S-81 Isaac Peral Submarine has been commissioned to the Spanish Navy. It is the first boat of the series of 4 that have been designed and built entirely by Navantia for the Spanish Navy.

MBDA is proud to celebrate Indian Navy Day 2023, and to mark a long history supporting the Indian Navy with the highest performing Missile Systems. From Anti-Ship Missiles, to Air Defence Systems, and the latest in Naval Aviation Weaponry, MBDA has supported the Indian Navy for decades and is committed to continuing to do so today and into the future, says Ludovic Dumont, General Delegate, MBDA India Private Limited.

The Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic announced the start of negotiations on potential acquisition of the New-Generation Multi-Mission Embraer C-390 Millennium, a Tactical Military Transport Aircraft. The Czech Republic's Ministry of Defence has identified the C-390 as the most suitable solution for meeting the requirements of the Army of the Czech Republic.

The 18th Dubai Air Show 2023 is being held at DWC Dubai from 13th to 17th November 2023. The Dubai Air Show will have about 160 Aircraft displays, with 1,200 Plus exhibitors from above 50 countries. Dubai Air Show 2023 visitors view the thrills of Al Fursan, the UAE Aerobatic Team and other fascinating Air Displays including the IAF’s LCA Tejas, which flew last time.

“C-295 Will Bolster the Medium Lift Tactical Capability of IAF”: RM Rajnath Singh

The formal induction of the First Airbus C-295MW Transport Aircraft into the IAF took place on 25th September 2025 in an Induction Ceremony held at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. This Medium Lift Tactical Aircraft, which is capable of taking off and landing from unprepared landing grounds, will replace the HS-748 Avro Aircraft.

“Procurement of Six AEW&C Mk-II
is Underway”

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with 36 New Rafales, 51 Upgraded Mirage 2000s, DARIN-III Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk-1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, Avro replacement with 56 C-295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk-IV, Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, etc. and various types of Radar & Air Defence Weapons Systems and SAGW, SAAW, etc. either have been inducted or are in final stages of procurement.

Safran is an International High-Technology Group operating in the Aviation (Propulsion, Equipment & Interiors), Defence & Space markets. Safran has Aircraft Engines for Mainline & Regional Airplanes, to Business Jet Powerplants, & Engines for Military Transport, Training, Combat, Surveillance & In-Flight Refueling Missions. Safran has a global presence and holds world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

The much-awaited Military Reform of creating Integrated Theatre Commands, which will entail having all War-Fighting Assets and Forces under a single Commander for a specific geographical area, is not expected to take place anytime soon. The Theatre Commands are inevitable and will be eventually formed as the delay is only to bring about a wider consensus.

At Aero India 2023, Lockheed Martin presents the C-130J Super Hercules, of which the IAF operates a fleet. The Lockheed Martin F-21 Fighter Jet, an impressive Multi-Mission Platform, for which Lockheed Martin announced the future potential production in India in Partnership with Tata Advanced Systems; and its’ Multi-Mission Rotorcraft, like Sikorsky’s MH-60R, S-92, CH-53K & S-76; the Javelin - the world’s most versatile Precision Weapon System, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

MBDA is a World Leader in Missiles & Missile Systems, which designs & produces Missiles & Missile Systems for the three Armed Forces - Land, Sea & Air. The MBDA Group offers a range of 45 Missile Systems & Counter-Measures products already in operational service, including MBDA’s Range of Missiles for IAF’s Rafale Fighters, and over 15 missiles in development stage. Chanakya Interviews LUDOVIC DUMONT, Country Head MBDA & MBDA India General Delegate, who articulates on MBDA’s Range of Missiles for the IAF’s Rafale, & Rafale-M Fighter, including the Meteor BVRAAM & SCALP Missiles; MICA IR & RF Missiles for the Rafale & Upgraded Mirage 2000s of the IAF; Mistral ATAM for the ALH Rudra WSI & LCHs; ASRAAM Missiles for the Jaguar Fighter Upgrade & for the Tejas LCA Mk.1A.

Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System is a proven capability for Military & Civilian Applications. The Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAS needs no prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a range out to 200 km, both on Land and at Sea. The S-100 navigates automatically via pre-programmed GPS waypoints or can be operated directly with a Pilot Control Unit. Missions are planned and controlled via a simple point-and-click graphical user interface.

For almost decades, Thales has been Partnering the Indian growth story by sharing its technologies and expertise in Defence, Aerospace, Transport and Digital Identity & Security markets. Over the years, it has developed a mature industrial footprint in the country's Defence Sector via a diverse range of high-tech products, services, and collaborations, supporting the Indian Armed Services' Modernisation efforts.

BEL, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, is India’s leading Defence & Strategic Electronics Company, having the capabilities & expertise in Defence Electronics Domain. BEL produces Radar and Fire Control Systems, Weapon Systems, Communication, Network Centric Systems (C4I), Electronic Warfare Systems, Avionics, Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems & Sonars, Electro-Optics, Tank Electronics, Gun Upgrades, etc.

With PM Modi laying the foundation stone of C295 Transport Aircraft Manufacturing Facility to manufacture C295 Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) through collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain, the project is now underway in Gujarat. Out of 56, 40 C295 MTAs will be manufactured in India by the TATA Consortium. Interest is now shifting towards the C295 MPA - Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which is to be acquired by the Indian Navy, and is one of the multiple C295MW Variants manufactured by Airbus.

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian Joint Venture is capable to fulfil any export requirements, if the Government decides, while serving the Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force requirements, for which the company has received new missiles orders. There is interest in BRAHMOS in South-East Asia, Middle East & Latin America, after an order from Philippines.

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with 36 New Rafales, Upgraded Mirage 2000s, DARIN-III Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk.1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, 56 C295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk.IV, Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, etc. and various types of Radar & Air Defence Weapons Systems and SAGW, either been inducted or in final stages of contract negotiations.

ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff of Indian Navy in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to CHANAKYA said “Considering the indigenous expertise available with respect to design and construction of IAC-1, a repeat order of IAC-1 with suitable modifications to incorporate lessons learnt from IAC-1 and future capabilities envisaged is being explored.”

Spain’s Navantia has a long success story in the international market, as the result of the National Programmes for the Spanish Navy. Regarding the LPD programme, Navantia is Partnering with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with a solution based on the Spanish Navy Juan Carlos I Class LPD, a superior design when it comes to perform an Expeditionary Force Deployment in a delicate scenario. It is an outstanding design trusted by the Spanish Navy, the Turkish Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy, where the ships play a major role in the international activity.

KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of KONGSBERG, is Norway's premier supplier of Defence & Aerospace-related Systems & Solutions, including products & systems for Command & Control, Information, Data Handling, Surveillance, Communications Solutions, Space Technology, Missiles and Remotely Controlled Systems. In an Exclusive Interview to Chanakya, JOHNNY STØA, Regional Marketing Director, Missile Systems, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, elaborated on the NSM & JSM success story.

Indian Navy Day is also proud moment for GRSE as the organisation has been associated with the Indian Navy for long and over the last six decades, we have primarily been building Warships and other Vessels for the country's Navy and Coast Guard. From Frigates, Corvettes, Fleet Tankers, Landing Ship Tank, Landing Craft Utility to Survey Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft - the repertoire is rich and varied, says Cmde P. R. Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, in this Special Guest Contribution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of C295 Transport Aircraft Manufacturing Facility - the country’s first in the Private Sector in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 30th, 2022. The facility will manufacture C295 Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) through collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain.

With the Deliveries of all 36 IAF Rafale Fighters of Dassault Aviation having been completed, and the Indian Navy having already tested the Rafale-Marine Carrier-Borne Fighter in Goa for evaluation in the Indian Navy’s Carrier-Fighter Tender, there is scope for additional Rafales to be purchased by India for the Indian Navy as well, which is soon starting its trials of the Rafale-Marine Carrier-Borne Variant on its Aircraft Carrier, and can go for 26 Rafale-Marine Variants, in a competition with Boeing’s F/A-18, which has heated up now.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a world-class Aerospace and Defence Company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in Space, Air, Land, Naval, Cyber & Homeland Security for Defence and Commercial markets. In India, IAI’s Weapon Systems & Unmanned Systems are in Service with the Indian Defence Forces, with IAI opening new Subsidiaries in India and signing MoUs with HAL.

Recently, the CEO of French Aircraft Engine Maker SAFRAN called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and briefed the RM on Safran’s Mission in India. A World-Leading Military Aircraft Engine Manufacturer, No. 1 in Europe, Safran Aircraft Engines powers some 20 types of Military Aircraft in 30 countries, including the M88 Engine for Rafale Fighters. Safran Military Engines for Rafale & Mirage 2000 Fighters are global benchmarks

Navantia is attending Defexpo 2022 with the commitment of strengthening ties with the Indian Industry, finding ground for collaboration and for developing further the promising future of the Naval Industry in India. The company is confident in bringing its best endeavour and commitment in order to meet both the Indian Navy needs and the Government’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat strategy in the Defence Sector.

Lockheed Martin presents the C-130J Super Hercules, of which the IAF operates a fleet. The Lockheed Martin F-21 Fighter Jet, an equally impressive Multi-Mission Platform, for which Lockheed Martin announced the future potential production in India in Partnership with Tata Advanced Systems; and its’ Multi-Mission Rotorcraft, like Sikorsky’s MH-60R, S-92, CH-53K & S-76; the Javelin - the world’s most versatile Precision Weapon System, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The MH-60R SEAHAWK Helicopter is one of the world’s most advanced Maritime Helicopters for ASW/ASuW, now being delivered to the Indian Navy. Chanakya features an INTERVIEW with William L. Blair, Vice President & Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India, covering all these and other programmes of Lockheed Martin in India.

MBDA is a World Leader in Missiles & Missile Systems, which designs & produces Missiles & Missile Systems for the three Armed Forces - Land, Sea & Air. Chanakya Interviews ARUN RAMCHANDANI, DIRECTOR, LTMMSL, who articulates on MICA IR & RF Missiles for the IAF’s Upgraded Mirage 2000s; alongwith Naval Missiles like Sea Ceptor & Exocet MM40 Block 3 Anti-Ship Missile, which is on offer for the Indian Navy, and ATGM5 for Indian Army. L&T MBDA Missile Systems is a Joint Venture in India between MBDA & L&T.

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian Joint Venture is capable to fulfil any export requirements, if the Government decides, while serving the Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force requirements, for which the company has received new missiles order. There is interest in BRAHMOS Missiles in countries like Vietnam & Indonesia, after an order from Philippines. In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, ATUL DINKAR RANE, Outstanding Scientist, Director General BRAHMOS, DRDO & Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace, said that BRAHMOS Weapon has “Steep Dive & Deep Penetration” Capability. He articulated on the success achieved by various BRAHMOS Variants’ proven capabilities, including the Block-III LACM. On future plans of BrahMos Aerospace, he elaborated on the BRAHMOS NG Variant, their top-most priority, and on the successful BRAHMOS-A tests of the Airborne Cruise Missile for IAF’s Su-30MKI Fighter, and on the BrahMos ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives.

One of the largest Aeronautics Companies in Asia, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is involved in manufacturing of Military & Civil Aircraft, Navigation & related Equipment, and also Designs, Fabricates & Assembles Aircraft, Jet Engines, Helicopters and Spare Parts. In an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, C. B. ANANTHAKRISHNAN, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Updates us on most projects that HAL is currently undertaking like LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000 Upgrade, Jaguar Darin-III Upgrade, HTT-40 BTA, IJT, LCH, LUH, ALH Dhruv Variants, UAS/RPAs, etc.

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C295MW Transport Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 24th, 2021, along with an Offset Contract. The induction of Airbus C295MW Airlifters will be a significant step towards Modernisation of the IAF’s Transport Fleet. Out of 56, 40 MTAs will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. Chanakya Interviews VENKAT KATKURI, Head of Defence & Space, Airbus India & South Asia, covering the C295MW Variants and the New-Generation A330 MRTT Multi-Role Tanker Transporter on offer for IAF’s FRA Project.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security has supplied C-17s, Apaches & Chinooks to the IAF, and P-8Is with Harpoon Missiles to the Indian Navy. Apaches for the Indian Army are to be delivered. In an Interview to Chanakya, Alain Garcia, Vice President, India Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Global Services, highlighted some capabilities of the F-15EX, which is participating in the Indian Air Force MRFA Fighter competition; and elaborated on Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet Block-III, which is participating in Indian Navy’s Carrier-borne Fighter competition. F/A-18 Super Hornets participated in the Operational Demonstration test flights in May & June 2022 in Goa, performed at India's Shore-Based Facility, where conditions similar to that on the indigenously-developed Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant were simulated. Soon, the INS Vikrant Carrier trials will commence. Alain also covered Boeing’s India activities.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), the oldest Shipyard in India, has now become one of the premier Warshipbuilding Yards in India, producing Warships for the Indian Navy, which include Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes, Missile Boats, OPVs, etc. MDL has built about 800 Vessels, including 26 Capital Warships and 6 Conventional Submarines. In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, MDL, elaborates on MDL’s various activities.

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with 36 New Rafales, 34 out of 51  Upgraded Mirage 2000s, DARIN-III Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk.1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, Avro replacement with 56 C295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk.IV, Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, etc. and various types of Radar & Air Defence Weapons Systems and SAGW, either been inducted or in final stages of contract negotiations. Chanakya Interviewed AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF (CAS), who briefly covered many IAF programmes of Modernisation, including Fighters & Weapons, Upgrades, AEW&Cs, FRA, Transporters, Trainers, Air Defence, S-400, Missiles, UAS/RPAS, CUAS, UAVs, Upgrading Combat Helicopters, etc. We feature the Exclusive Interview of the Air Chief with Chanakya:

Navantia has just introduced Jose Porto, a Naval Architect with 19 years of experience in Military Programmes, who is taking over the Navantia India Liaison Office, which is located in New Delhi. Mr. Jose Porto has filled up different positions across the S80 Submarines Programme, and over the last four years he was working for the DDG TSP Programme for the Australian Navy as Platform Systems Engineering Manager focused on increasing Australia Defence Capabilities and transferring knowledge.

It is Boeing’s honour and privilege to have been a strong partner of Indian Aerospace for more than 75 years now. On the completion of 75 Years of India’s Independence, we remain dedicated to the Nation’s inspiring progress. This Partnership has only deepened with time and continues to grow, says Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India, in this Guest contribution.

MBDA is proud to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day. India and MBDA share a long history of Partnership in equipping the Indian Armed Forces going back to the early days of India’s Independence, says Ludovic Dumont – General Delegate, MBDA, in this Guest contribution.

Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), a Government of India Company under Ministry of Civil Aviation had announced that it signed agreements for the leasing of six Sikorsky S-76D Helicopters from The Milestone Aviation Group Limited. In addition to the six helicopters, of which five have already been delivered, Milestone and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company are also providing Pawan Hans with comprehensive value and sustainment packages to support the phasing-in of this new helicopter type into its fleet.

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of High-Tech Defence Systems for Air, Land, Sea, and Space Applications for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Defence Establishment, as well as for customers around the globe. Rafael offers its customers a diversified array of Innovative Solutions at the leading-edge of global technology, from Underwater Systems through Naval, Ground and Air Superiority Systems to Space Systems.

ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff of Indian Navy in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to CHANAKYA said that an efficient way to retain combat-edge is the induction and use of Unmanned Solutions. In the coming years, the Indian Navy will continue to focus on Unmanned Inductions. CHANAKYA Interviewed ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, covering Indian Navy’s Modernisation & Expansion Plans, recent Inductions, Naval Acquisitions, including Aircraft Carrier, Surface Combatants & ASW Craft, LPDs, Submarine Projects, Naval Helicopters, RPAS and Unmanned  Solutions, etc.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has been nurturing as well as encouraging Indian Defence & Aerospace Industry to take up Defence Manufacturing. Today, more than 2000 Industry Partners have joined hands with DRDO in delivery of Components, Sub-systems, Systems, Platforms and Technologies for Indian Armed Forces. Many industries have achieved the capability and the capacity to become the Lead System Integrators. The technology of all systems is transferred to the Indian Industry for Production & Supply.

With the Deliveries of all 36 Rafale Fighters of Dassault Aviation having been completed in France, the IAF’s Rafale Fleet is undergoing Upgrades to the 13 India-Specific Enhancements (ISE) Configuration in India. While the Indian Navy has recently tested the Rafale-Marine Carrier-Borne Fighter in Goa for evaluation in the Indian Navy Carrier Tender, there is scope for additional Rafales to be purchased by India for the IAF and Indian Navy.

Safran Aircraft Engines is one of the world's leading Aircraft and Rocket Engine Manufacturers, Safran designs, develops, produces and sells, alone or in Partnership, Engines for Civil and Military Aircraft, Launch Vehicles and Satellites. A leading Military Aircraft Engine Manufacturer, No. 1 in Europe, Safran Aircraft Engines also power some 20 types of Military Aircraft in 30 countries, including the M88 Rafale Fighter Engines. Safran Military Engines for Rafale & Mirage 2000 Fighters have become global benchmarks. Safran is also a Partner in FCAS (Future Combat Air System), a Franco-British programme to develop a New-Generation Combat Drone. We feature the Safran M88 powering the Rafale, its Maintenance Training, and Safran’s plans to ‘Make-in-India’, including the Manufacturing of the M88 Engine in India for Future Indian Fighters. Safran Aircraft Engines is implementing its full committment to ‘Make-in-India’.

Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ADTL) has got an Indian Army order for Loitering Munitions. In an Interview to Chanakya, Col. H.S. Shankar, VSM (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, spoke about the products and activities of ADTL, Bangalore.

The CARMENTA Project will be based on EU owned solutions, so that EU Design Authority remains the baseline, in order to avoid any kind on non-EU dependencies. The Consortium includes the major EU Electronic Warfare Champions as well as the major EU Platform and System Integrators. In total it brings together 18 leading Industry Members like: Elettronica (Coordinator, Italy), Leonardo (Italy), Thales (France), SAFRAN (France), MBDA France, Indra (Spain), AIRBUS Defence & Space (Spain), AIRBUS Helicopters (Spain), Hensoldt (Germany), Terma (Denmark), etc. The project has a duration of 30 months and a budget of approximately 10 Million Euros.

Russian Helicopters is a leading player in the Global Helicopter Industry, the sole Russian Rotorcraft Designer and Manufacturer and one of the few companies worldwide with the capability to Design, Manufacture, Service and test modern Civilian and Military Helicopters. Russian Helicopters is part of State Corporation Rostec. We take a look at the Russian Helicopters' Mi-171Sh Military Multi-Role Transport Helicopter.

Being India's major Defence Equipment Manufacturer, BEML keeps the Indian Army and other Defence Forces abreast with State-of-the-Art Military Equipment. Amit Banerjee, Chairman & Managing Director,  BEML LIMITED, writes a guest column on BEML.

The Spanish Shipbuilder NAVANTIA is a world reference in the design, building and integration of highly technological state-of-the-art Warships for the Spanish Navy, which makes it a strategic company, and for the international market. Its activities include the design and manufacture of Integrated Platform Management Systems, Fire Control Systems, Command & Control Systems, Propulsion Plants and through life support for all its products. NAVANTIA belongs to Grupo SEPI, a corporate holding which is made up by a total of 15 state-owned companies. In this INTERVIEW to Chanakya, Jorge García Monedero, International Commercial Director, Navantia, elaborates on Navantia’s interests in Indian Naval Defence.

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C295MW Transport Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 24th, 2021. The induction of Airbus C295MW Airlifters will be a significant step towards modernisation of the Transport Fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a Transport Aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro Transport Aircraft of IAF.

With the Indian Air Force (IAF) scheduled to have all the 36 contracted Dassault Aviation Rafale Fighters by early 2022,  India’s Air Superiority gets a boost. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had formally inducted the first five Rafale Fighter Aircraft into the IAF’s 17 Squadron, the 'Golden Arrows' at the Ambala AFS in September 2020. All 36 Rafale Omni-Role Fighters are expected to be inducted by 2022.

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with New Rafales, more Su-30MKIs, Upgraded Mirage 2000s, more MiG-29s & Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk.1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, Avro replacement with 56 C295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk.IV, Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, etc. and various types of Radar & Air Defence Weapons Systems and SAGW, either being inducted or in final stages of contract negotiations.

At Aero India 2021, Lockheed Martin presents the C-130J Super Hercules, of which IAF operates a fleet, with one of them achieving the daunting feat of landing at the world’s highest landing strip. The Lockheed Martin F-21 Fighter Jet, an equally impressive Multi-Mission Platform, for which Lockheed Martin offers future potential production in India in Partnership with Tata; and its’ Sikorsky Helicopters the MH-60R, S-92, CH-53K & S-76; the Javelin - the world’s most versatile Precision Weapon System, and the INDAGO Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).

Airbus with its long-standing relationship with the Indian Aerospace and Defence Sector, will have a significant presence at Aero India.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an Aerospace and Defence Company that provides Advanced Systems and Services for Commercial, Military and Government customers worldwide. With four Industry-Leading Businesses - Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense - the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in Avionics, Cyber Security, Directed Energy, Electric Propulsion, Hypersonics, and Quantum Physics.

Rafael is a world-leading Developer & Manufacturer of Advanced Weapon Systems, providing forefront Technological Solutions that address the Defensive and Offensive requirements of the Modern Battlefield. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has been supporting the Indian Defence Forces with State-of-the-Art Systems, during which Rafael has stood by India to supply systems at short notice in operational contingencies, including Air-to-Air, Air Defence, ATGMs, Targeting & Reconnaissance Pods, SDR Communication, etc.

On November 12th 2020, INS Vagir was launched by Smt Vijaya Shripad Naik, wife of Shripad Naik, Raksha Rajya Mantri. INS Vagir is the fifth P-75 Scorpene Submarine entirely built by the Indian Shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)

Amongst the five Global Defence Majors selected by the MoD Committee for the P-75(I) Submarines Project is Navantia of Spain. The two Indian Shipyards for the mega 'Make-in-India' Project are L&T Group and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL). Navantia has recently organised more than 100 side meetings and submitted 380 RFIs specific to the P-75(I) Submarine cost items, and targets achieving 500 PTS and nearly 1,500 RFIs within the next 3-4 months.

The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron TP is a Multi-Role, Most Advanced, Long-Range Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for Strategic Missions, equipped with Automatic Taxi Take-Off and Landing Systems (ATOL), Satellite Communication for Extended Range, fully redundant Avionics and much more. The IAI Heron TP UAS was designed as a Multi-Mission Platform to address customers' needs and to perform a variety of Strategic Missions, including Intelligence Gathering, Surveillance,

Today, more than 750 Rolls-Royce Engines of 10 engine types are powering aircraft of the Indian Military. Rolls-Royce Engines power a wide variety of aircraft in the inventory of the IAF - from Combat and Strike Aircraft (the Jaguar, powered by the Adour Mk811) to Trainers (Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer, powered by Adour Mk871) to Strategic Airlift Aircraft (C-130J Super Hercules, powered by AE 2100), and even VVIP and Surveillance Aircraft (ERJ145, powered by AE 3007).